Global Warming Bringing More Extreme Heat Waves

As Eastern U.S. Scorches More Extremely Hot Days on the Horizon

08-11-2010
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Tony Iallonardo

Temperatures are breaking records along eastern and southern portions of the U.S. and more extremely hot summer days are in store for every part of the country if global warming continues unabated says National Wildlife Federation, which just issued an update to its heat waves report. The analysis comes days after the U.S. Senate’s leadership shelved comprehensive climate and energy legislation this summer.

In 2010, New Jersey, Delaware, and North Carolina had their hottest June on record, while Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, and Louisiana had their second hottest June. Eight other states had Junes that ranked in the top-five hottest.

The hot conditions continued with July 2010 being among top five hottest on record for many states. As a result, more than 70 million Americans experienced extreme heat during these two months. Hundreds of daily temperature records were broken were broken across the country.

“2010 is a sample of what’s to come because global warming is bringing more frequent and severe heat waves which will seriously impact vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Amanda Staudt, climate scientist, National Wildlife Federation.

RISKS TO PEOPLE

That means air pollution in urban areas could get worse, bringing increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and asthma attacks. Children, the elderly, poor, and people of color are especially vulnerable to these effects. Public health experts are especially alarmed.

“The science confirms that the frequency and duration of heat waves has increased significantly over the last 50 years. In the United States, heat waves already kill more people during a typical year than floods, tornadoes and earthquakes combined. Given these worsening trends, taking decisive action to stop global warming becomes a medical necessity.” said Peter Wilk, MD, executive director, Physicians for Social Responsibility.

"Global warming is one of the most massive health emergencies facing humanity. Its effects are already life-threatening for people with asthma and allergies,” said Mike Tringale, vice president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Top U.S. government experts have confirmed that the earth is warming NASA scientists recently stated that the average global temperature was higher over the past 12 months than during any other 12-month period in history. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released data showing that March to June of this year have each individually been the hottest on record as well.

Heat waves disproportionately impact people who are poor, elderly, children, or have asthma or heart disease, or live in big cities

Natural habitats and agriculture are also vulnerable to heat waves

We can reduce the severity of heat waves and their impacts on vulnerable people

ACTION NEEDED

From New York to Los Angeles the report details 30 large U.S. cities where major risk factors associated with heat-related mortality make residents especially vulnerable to heat waves.

“We need to take these trends toward more extreme heat waves into account when designing urban areas and public health programs,” said Dr. Staudt. “We can no longer plan based on the climate we used to have.”

Important steps to reduce the risks include curbing global warming pollution to minimize future extreme heat waves, making cities cooler and greener, implementing public health measures that reduce the impact of extreme heat waves, and safeguarding wildlife, fish and habitats from extreme heat.